Bubba Watson. Awesome 398 yard drive! ! !

[ManchesterGolfer]

I've just been watching the highlights of the final round of the Sony open. I saw a lefty called Bubba Watson for the first time. First shot I seen him hit was a 398 yard drive straight down the middle about 70 yards past Rory Sabbatini's drive, Awsome! Then I saw the best drive I've seen in a long time. The commentaters where saying he would hit a 2 iron (15th hole I think) but he pulled his driver out and hit a big fade round the corner, straight down the middle. That convinced the experts that the big stick was coming out again on the next, but he played 2 iron again straight down the middle, a massive hitting lefty with great course management. (Why do leftys swings always look better)? It's his Rookie year and he finished 4th, I think we might be seeing a lot from this guy in 2006 he will be added to my fantasy golf team I think.

This guy has to be a must for the American Ryder cup team, if he doesn't make it automatically then he has to be a wildcard, doesn't he?

[SiberianDVM]

I watched most of the Sony Open. The guy is the longest hitter I have ever seen, and he really doesn't look like he's swinging that fast.

It's just not fair.

[Pa Jayhawk]

They did a write up on him in the January Golf Magazine. They said there was no question he would be the leader in Driving distance, and came from the Nationwide tour where he averaged 334. Pretty interesting guy based on the article.

[Snoz]

he was in contention for the aust open (i think) late last year.

[ManchesterGolfer]

Originally Posted by SiberianDVM

I watched most of the Sony Open. The guy is the longest hitter I have ever seen, and he really doesn't look like he's swinging that fast.

It's just not fair.

I agree with you there Rory Sabattini is a big hitter and he was laughing and smiling about how far past him Bubba was hitting it.

[ManchesterGolfer]

Originally Posted by FKA Pa Jayhawk

They did a write up on him in the January Golf Magazine. They said there was no question he would be the leader in Driving distance, and came from the Nationwide tour where he averaged 334. Pretty interesting guy based on the article.

The commentators said that he said he would lead the driving distance ave for this season. pretty bold statement for a rookie they were saying.

[J-bird76]

Originally Posted by ManchesterGolfer

The commentators said that he said he would lead the driving distance ave for this season. pretty bold statement for a rookie they were saying.

I caught that article in Golf mag. Was he still swinging the driver with the pink shaft? He did lead the Nationwide with an average of 334, but the article said he still didnt hold the record! Some guy averaged 347 two yrs. ago. INSANE. Looks like Bubba has got the well-rounded game to go along with those bombs. Look for him to be in contention on several Sundays.

[Loop]

Originally Posted by J-bird76

I caught that article in Golf mag. Was he still swinging the driver with the pink shaft? He did lead the Nationwide with an average of 334, but the article said he still didnt hold the record! Some guy averaged 347 two yrs. ago. INSANE. Looks like Bubba has got the well-rounded game to go along with those bombs. Look for him to be in contention on several Sundays.

That was Viktor Schwamkrug, where he competed in the long drive contest.
You guys should see the Nike / buy.com / Nationwide /whatever-they-call-it-these-days more. Lots of good talents.
But most graduates don't make out too good on the PGA tour.

BTW, I remember Stuart Appkeby once making a 430 yards drive....

[ualtim]

Post round, the commentator asked Bubba when was the last time he was out driven by a playing partner and he replied when he was 6 playing with his dad. Just some awesome accuracy for a drive that long. Unlike the adventures of Tiger and Daily when they step up to the tee, this guy seems to have total command of his drive. I am thinking he was just "in the zone" at the Sony and will not be able to keep up that accuracy through out the entire season. If I am wrong and he can, we may start hearing the term "Bubba Proofing" really soon.

[VtDivot]

I'll go on record and say that he doesn't finish in the top 10 on the money list for 2006. He's hot right now, but we'll see how his game fares on some of the tougher tracks on tour. The Sony is played on a rediculously easy course with prevailing helping wind.

Or maybe I'm wrong

[nsherman2006]

From what i've heard, his distance/accuracy combo is top-notch, and his iron play is strong, but his short game is lacking the strength to allow him to dominate

[GregInOz]

Yeah, he can hit them plenty good, but from what I've seen he can't putt. He three putted from 12 feet in the Australian Masters to give victory to Allenby. Awesome to watch though, seeing him bomb it past the big hitters is a real kick for me. He'll be great for tv if he can get in contention.

[Rockford35]

I bet alot of guys could hit the ball 350 yards if they tried. Vijay, ect. But they don't. This guy is lucky he has the accuracy, or he'd be another Kuehne.

But, you gotta make putts. Apparently, that's his achilles.

An all too familiar story...."Huge drives, but can't dance..."

R35

[dave.]

Originally Posted by GregInOz

Yeah, he can hit them plenty good, but from what I've seen he can't putt. He three putted from 12 feet in the Australian Masters to give victory to Allenby. Awesome to watch though, seeing him bomb it past the big hitters is a real kick for me. He'll be great for tv if he can get in contention.

you say he can't putt yet he got within a shot of Appleby!!?? he seems ok to me!

[Kilted Arab]

Originally Posted by dave.

you say he can't putt yet he got within a shot of Appleby!!?? he seems ok to me!

What he actually said was that from what he'd seen, he couldn't putt. Not quite the same thing, my abrasive Yorkshire fight-picking chum!